Best all-around semi-auto for sporting

Squadron303

Squadron303

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Hi,
This goes out to the experienced shooters. I am looking for the best all around 12g semi auto shotgun. It's between Benelli Vinci, Benelli Cordoba, Benelli Super Sport vs anything, for example the Browning Maxus or Beretta. I shoot trap, and I am looking to get into skeet. An upgrade from my 870. I also maybe want to use it for ducks. I can always keep the 870 to paddle out with and then shoot ducks, so it's mostly for sport. They all feel and point very comparably. I'm looking for any and all input, thanks.
Also, does any one have any opinions on the Benelli Performance shop? I'd maybe like to buy-once, cry-once with this gun.
 
Buying a semi for shot gun sports one must always think of the target loads we use! Not all semi's will cycle these loads? I like the Beretta A391 it never seems to mis-feed a round!
 
benellis are top of the the pile. Likely see more Beretta 391s show up at the course. Still lots of remington 1187 and 1100s have seen a few Versa max lately. The problem is to find one that will cycle light loads, then just what ever fits you. Go to the club and try a few, most guys will let you shoot a few. I shoot autos just as good if not better than my O/U, just don't like chasing empties
 
I (or rather my wife) has an AL390 (in 20ga), it's a great little gun, never misses a beat. As it's gas driven, it take more cleaning that some others, but big deal. One of her friends recently bought an A400, and discovered that out of the box it wouldn't reliably cycle light target loads (Win Super Target 7/8oz 1200fps), but stepping up to medium loads (Super Speed 7/8oz 1275fps) remedied the problem.

I have a SBE (inertia driven), and I really like it, fits mre very well, comfortable to shoot. Problem is I cannot get it to reliably cycle; even with the heaviest of target loads it's hit or miss. That's why it's my waterfowl gun and only sees 100 clays/yr.

The biggest issue for me personally with a semi for sporting is fit. An O/U or SxS with a wood stock can be chopped up 6 ways from sunday to make it fit you like a glove. Not all semi's can; my wife AL390 has a big void in the centre of the stock, which makes adding an adjustable comb more difficult if not impossible.
 
My Winchester SX3 has run flawlessly. It's a 3" but cycles target loads from 7/8 to 1-1/8 oz without issue. At the range, guys always comment how far my shells get thrown. I believe it's the same gas system as the Browning Maxus but my SX3 is made in Belgium most likely by FN.
 
Squadron303 said:
Hi,
This goes out to the experienced shooters. I am looking for the best all around 12g semi auto shotgun. It's between Benelli Vinci, Benelli Cordoba, Benelli Super Sport vs anything, for example the Browning Maxus or Beretta. I shoot trap, and I am looking to get into skeet. An upgrade from my 870. I also maybe want to use it for ducks. I can always keep the 870 to paddle out with and then shoot ducks, so it's mostly for sport. They all feel and point very comparably. I'm looking for any and all input, thanks.
Also, does any one have any opinions on the Benelli Performance shop? I'd maybe like to buy-once, cry-once with this gun.
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The Cordoba and Super Sport are both ported so neither would be my choice in a duck blind due to the added noise. I have no experience with the Vinci. The recoil-action Benellis have more felt recoil and are not as accommodating with very light loads. But they are more rugged, perfect with heavier loads and easier to clean and keep clean.

My favourite is the Beretta 391 but they are out of production in favour of the A400. The 400 is a good gun and is what I'd likely own if I didn't already have the 391s. The Browning Maxus is another good one. The Winchester S3 is pretty much the same gun and also a good choice.

The best option is to look at each, try one if you can and pick the one that feels best to you.
 
Squadron303 said:
Anyone experience problems with the inertia-driven Benellis?
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I have the Stoeger 2000, it's from Benellis welfare lineup. No frills, alloy receiver, walnut stock, takes Benelli chokes. It cycles everything 100% reliably, including the lightest trap. I have both action springs with my gun, the factory spring and the "sporting" spring for 7/8oz trap loads...I haven't bothered using the light spring in a few years, the gun cycles everything with the stock spring. The one thing with a inertia gun is the felt recoil is much more than a gas operated gun, but they also cycle MUCH faster.

Edit: disassembling and cleaning these is so ridiculously simple you'll swear your missing something. :)
 
As usual Claybuster has sound advice. The 391 is my top choice but if I was buying today it would be the A400. All the newer gas compensating systems work very good with target loads once the gun has been broken in with heavy loads. As mentioned by several here, go to a range, talk to the guys and try as many as you can. The fit and feel is everything!
 
Claybuster is right on the money. Visit any big Sporting Clays shoot and you will likely see more Beretta auto loaders than all other makes combined.

I too am very comfortable with the two A391 Parallel Targets I have, but if I was in the market for a new auto loader, the A400 would get the nod.
(Can't say I'm thrilled with that blue anodized receiver though ! .... I'd even consider seeing if it could be re-anodized black )

There's the odd 30" Parallel Target and 30" or 32" Trap guns that show up on the EE ... worth keeping an eye out for.
 
My 391 Gold Optima has been treated with BreakFree. I have had it since 2003 and it has not been cleaned since and still works with 2 1/2 dram training loads as well as max steel loads. Is there any other semi shotgun that can do that? NO!
Henry
 
Thanks for all the comments. I was hoping to be convinced or sold on the Benelli, but it seems like everyone loves the Beretta. The Maxus is still in the running..
 
Sapper33 said:
I (or rather my wife) has an AL390 (in 20ga), it's a great little gun, never misses a beat. As it's gas driven, it take more cleaning that some others, but big deal. One of her friends recently bought an A400, and discovered that out of the box it wouldn't reliably cycle light target loads (Win Super Target 7/8oz 1200fps), but stepping up to medium loads (Super Speed 7/8oz 1275fps) remedied the problem.
Click to expand...

My A400 Xtreme didn't like light loads when it was brand new. I ran a few boxes of heavy target through and then it was all good.
 
Squadron303 said:
Thanks for all the comments. I was hoping to be convinced or sold on the Benelli, but it seems like everyone loves the Beretta. The Maxus is still in the running..
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The title of your post mentioned "all-around", which is likely to be a gas auto. If you are in the gas auto market, it will most likely be a Beretta.
 
Squadron303 said:
Thanks for all the comments. I was hoping to be convinced or sold on the Benelli, but it seems like everyone loves the Beretta. The Maxus is still in the running..
Click to expand...
Put each one of them in your hands. Among the Beretta, Benelli, Browning/Winchester there really isn't a wrong decision just variations among them that may or may not be important to you.

I ran about a thousand rounds through a Cordoba which is the same gun as the Super Sport except for the finish. I liked it a lot but I don't want porting on a gun that may be used in the field and couldn't see owning both the Cordoba and the 391 I already had. But if you shoulder a Beretta and it feels like an ungainly stump while the Benelli brings a smile to your face then you'll know which gun to buy.
 
Claybuster said:
Put each one of them in your hands. Among the Beretta, Benelli, Browning/Winchester there really isn't a wrong decision just variations among them that may or may not be important to you.

I ran about a thousand rounds through a Cordoba which is the same gun as the Super Sport except for the finish. I liked it a lot but I don't want porting on a gun that may be used in the field and couldn't see owning both the Cordoba and the 391 I already had. But if you shoulder a Beretta and it feels like an ungainly stump while the Benelli brings a smile to your face then you'll know which gun to buy.
Click to expand...

Thanks claybuster
 
I was going to suggest a Remington 1100 Competition model which I own and really like. It fits. Then I read you want to hunt as well and I am a strong Benelli SBE fan. Mine will handle all of the cheap target loads up to the Magnums. It also fits perfect. I don't know what all the B.S. about recoil is about with the SBE. If anyone thinks it is too much, perhaps a 20 ga is better suited. A buddy has an A400 and he swears by it. Fit is paramount and comfort while swinging. Ford vs Chevy type debate.
 
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here it is

A_400.jpg
 
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